A Fest-of-All fourth in Chicopee

CHICOPEE – Members of the Tardy family claimed a prime fireworks-watching spot in Szot Park with folding chairs and a picnic blanket before 4 p.m. Saturday, nearly 6 hours before the first shell of the pyrotechnic display was due to explode.

“With the last name Tardy, we have to be early,” said Kelly Tardy of Palmer who attended the Chicopee Fest of All with husband Jerome; daughters Sydney, 14, Payton, 10, and Reagan, 8; and Jerome’s parents Roger and Mary of Chicopee.

Their shady spot was about 200 yards from where technicians set up the display. It was also just steps from their parking spot.

“The closer you are to your car, the less stuff you have to lug,” Kelly Tardy said.

Organizers expected more than 30,000 people to attend fireworks in Szot Park.

The Fest-ofAll continues Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with food and music. There is no admission charge.

“All the thanks really have to go to the sponsors and the volunteers,” said Daniel F. Woodill, chairman of Fest of All 2012 and recreation supervisor for the Chicopee Parks and Recreation Department. “All the volunteers are sticking with it and working hard. It’s going to be a long day.”

Knowing that temperatures would be in the 90s Saturday, afternoon organizers stocked up with four shipping pallets of bottled water.

Despite the heat, Woodill said 180 runners participated in the event’s road race Saturday morning, and that was more people than participated in the 2011 race.

The event boasted 20 food vendors, Woodill said. He expected their business to pick after the sun went down and it cooled off a little.

Kielbasa dogs and the Polish platter were big sellers at the Millie’s Pierogi booth, said employee Rose Eldridge. The famous Millie’s is located just two miles away from the park on Broadway.

“We have a wonderful time at all our fairs,” said Eldridge, a Chicopee resident. “But this one is special because it is so close to home.”

Melha Shriners were using the Fest-of-All as an opportunity to talk about Shriners Hospital for Children in Springfield and to recruit new members for their organization, said David Duncan, a potentate’s aide in the organization.

“We have got some of our vehicles here and free dolls for the kids,” Duncan said. “We have had six or eight potential new members express interest. It has to start somewhere, doesn’t it.”